World Retail Congress news and archive

YNAP CEO Federico Marchetti to step down, search for successor underway

Yoox Net-a-Porter Group CEO Federico Marchetti is stepping down from his position after 20 years at the company’s helm. Marchetti, whose contract is set to expire in 2021 but will stay on as chairman, founded Yoox in 2000 in the very early days of online fashion. In 2009, the company was publicly listed on the Milan stock exchange, before...

RetailFeatured

Slower retail: Has the industry hit its speed limit?

Amsterdam - Keeping up with the pace of technology-driven change is essential for retailers, but there is also value in slowing down. That was one of the key messages at this year’s World Retail Congress in Amsterdam, as industry leaders discussed how they’re adapting to cope with the new wave of high-velocity retail. “I would say that the...

Fashion

Nike scoops Retailer of the Year Award at World Retail Congress

US sportswear giant Nike has been named Retailer of the Year at this year’s World Retail Congress in Amsterdam. Presented on Thursday evening, the award was given to Nike for its “ability to adapt and thrive amidst changing consumer expectations and trends” and for its ability to maintain “authentic and sustainable relationships with its...

Retail

Lord Stuart Rose on the ‘overblown’ death of the high street

Amsterdam - The retail industry is changing faster than at any time in the past 40 years, but the death of the high street is being “overblown”, said Lord Stuart Rose at World Retail Congress in Amsterdam. Lord Rose, who was the former chairman at Marks and Spencer and now holds the same position at Ocado, said during his talk on Friday: “I get...

Fashion Featured

Levi's to allow shoppers to customise their own 'greener' jeans

Amsterdam - Levi’s is launching a new feature on its website that will allow shoppers to customise their own pair of "greener" jeans using laser finishing technology. The feature, announced by Levi’s president of direct-to-consumer, Marc Rosen, on Wednesday at World Retail Congress, will allow online shoppers to design their own products from a...

Fashion Featured

Yoox Net-a-Porter CEO: One day we will see a ‘made by humans’ label

Amsterdam - “I’d like to make a prediction,” said Yoox Net-a-Porter CEO Federico Marchetti on Tuesday at the World Retail Congress. “Today we see labels like ‘British made’ or ‘Swiss watches.’ I think that one day we will see another label: 'made by humans'.” According to Marchetti, despite continual advancements in technology, the human touch...

RetailFeatured

Walmart International CEO on data privacy, the failed Asda merger and leveling the playing field for women

Amsterdam - With over 11,000 stores, 270 million customers a week and a turnover of half a trillion dollars, Walmart is without a doubt a powerhouse in the world’s retail landscape. Founded in 1962, the company now operates over 11,300 retail units under 58 banners in 27 countries. Judith McKenna, president and CEO at Walmart International, was...

RetailFeatured

Tommy Hilfiger wins at World Retail Awards 2018

Global fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger was among the winners at this year’s World Retail Awards 2018, which celebrates "innovation, collaboration and creativity” across the retail industry. Announced at the 12th World Retail Congress in Madrid, Tommy Hilfiger was awarded with the Retail Employer of the Year accolade, crowning the fashion label as...